February 1, 2025 • 16 mins
What is Gout? Gout is a type of arthritis characterized by intense joint pain, often caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. The crystals trigger inflammation, leading to severe pain and swelling. While the big toe is the most common site for gout attacks, it can affect other joints like the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of a physician or another qualified health provider with any questions or concerns regarding a medical condition. By listening to this podcast, neither its hosts, guests, nor publishers establish a doctor-patient relationship, and no liability is assumed for any decisions made based solely on the information presented.
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(00:00):
Welcome to the Podiatry Insight Hub, the leading informational audio platform for common care
(00:07):
and treatments related to lower extremity.
Get ready for another great podiatry topic in today's post.
Ready, set, here we go.
Disclaimer, the content provided in this audio is for informational purposes only and should
not be construed as medical advice.
It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or consultation with a qualified
healthcare provider.
(00:28):
This is to seek the advice of a physician or another qualified health provider with
any questions or concerns regarding a medical condition.
By listening to this audio platform, neither its hosts, guests, nor publishers establish
a doctor-patient relationship and no liability is assumed for any decisions made based solely
on the information presented.
Hey everybody, ready to dive into something kind of painful?
Literally painful.
Yeah, literally painful.
(00:49):
Gout.
Gout.
You might think you know all about it.
Right.
But, we're going to learn a thing or two today.
Absolutely.
We're going to go deep on this guide from the Central Florida Foot and Ankle Institute.
Okay.
And it is fascinating.
Yeah, it's really interesting.
You know, a lot of people, when they think about gout, they think about that pain in
the big toe.
(01:09):
Right.
That's kind of the classic image.
But it can actually happen in any joint.
Really?
Yeah.
Ankles, knees, elbows, I've even seen it in fingers.
Wow.
So, these uric acid crystals, they can kind of go anywhere.
So, okay, for those of us who've been lucky enough to avoid gout, what exactly is going
on in our bodies when we had it?
(01:30):
So, gout is basically a type of arthritis.
It's inflammatory arthritis.
Okay.
And it's caused by these things called uric acid crystals.
Uric acid is a natural byproduct of our metabolism.
It's kind of like the exhaust from our body's engine.
Right.
Right.
But sometimes our body makes too much of it or has trouble getting rid of it.
And when that happens, it builds up.
(01:52):
And it can form these sharp needle-like crystals in our joints.
And that is what causes the pain and inflammation that we experience with gout.
So, I'm picturing like little tiny daggers poking at my joints.
Pretty much.
Yeah.
No wonder it's so painful.
Exactly.
Why does that happen though?
Why do those crystals form?
Yeah.
(02:13):
Like why do some people get overloaded with uric acid?
There are a few things that can contribute to it.
One of the big ones is diet.
Uric acid and food are really high in things called purines.
Okay.
Which our body breaks down into uric acid.
So things like red meat, seafood, organ meats, those are all really high in purines.
(02:33):
And then there's alcohol, especially beer and liquor.
Oh no.
They can actually increase uric acid production and make it harder for your body to get rid
of it.
So, it's not just that it dehydrates you.
It's actually making more uric acid.
Exactly.
That's interesting.
It's a double whammy.
What about people who ate pretty healthy though?
Right.
(02:54):
But they still get gout.
That's where genetics come in.
Ah, okay.
Some people are just genetically predisposed to gout.
They might inherit genes that make their body produce more uric acid or make it harder for
their kidneys to get rid of it.
So even if you're doing everything right.
Exactly.
You might still be at rift.
It's like a loaded dice.
You know, you might be doing everything you can but you're still more likely to roll a
(03:16):
certain way.
Yeah.
And you might play a big role.
Okay, so we've got this uric acid building up.
Right.
Crystals forming in the joints.
What does an actual gout attack feel like though?
So you're talking about like the experience of it.
Yeah.
Paint me a picture.
Is it a dull ache?
Is it something more intense?
It's not subtle.
(03:37):
Okay.
I'll tell you that.
Yeah.
People often describe it as sudden, very intense pain.
It can feel like a burning, throbbing sensation in the joint.
Wow.
Sometimes people say it's so bad that even the weight of a sheet on their toe is unbearable.
Oh my gosh.
It's really debilitating.
So besides the pain, what else happens?
(03:57):
Like what else are you going to see?
Yeah.
Are there any other signs?
Yeah.
So usually you'll see some swelling around the affected joint.
Okay.
It'll be red.
It'll be warm to the touch and it'll be tender.
And you know, that combination of pain and swelling can make it really hard to move the
joint.
So it's not just that it hurts.
Right.
(04:18):
You can't even use it.
Exactly.
It's really limiting.
Okay.
So let's say someone's experiencing those symptoms.
Right.
How do they know for sure if it's gout?
How do they get diagnosed?
Yeah.
What does that look like?
So the first thing you should do if you're experiencing those symptoms is go see a doctor.
Okay.
Don't try to tough it out.
Right.
Because there are treatments that can help.
(04:38):
Sure.
So the doctor will probably start by doing a physical exam.
They'll look at the affected joint.
They'll feel for tenderness and swelling and they'll ask you about your symptoms.
Like a little detective work.
Yeah, exactly.
They're trying to gather clues and to confirm the diagnosis, they might do a procedure called
a joint aspiration.
Ooh, that sounds scary.
(05:00):
It's not as bad as it sounds.
Basically they use a needle to take a small sample of fluid from the joint.
Okay.
And then they examine that fluid under a microscope.
Gotcha.
To look for those uric-adidyl crystals.
So it's like they're looking for the smoking gun basically.
Exactly.
They're looking for the evidence.
Okay.
And they might also order some blood tests to check your uric acid levels.
(05:23):
If those levels are high, it can further support the diagnosis.
So okay, we've got the diagnosis.
Right.
Now the big question.
What do you do about it?
What do you do about it?
How do you get relief from these gout attacks?
How do you treat it?
Yeah.
So there are two main approaches to treating gout.
Okay.
One is medication and the other is lifestyle changes.
(05:44):
For immediate relief during an attack, doctors will often prescribe anisides.
Ah, the trusty anisides.
Yeah.
Those are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Okay.
Like ibuprofen, naproxen.
Right, right.
Those can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
So is there anything specifically for gout?
Like medication-wise.
(06:04):
Yeah.
Yeah.
There are a couple of medications that are commonly used for gout.
One is quulchicine.
Okay.
It's very effective at reducing inflammation and pain.
Okay.
And it can also help to prevent future attacks.
Oh, wow.
So it's kind of a two for one.
And then there are medications that can help to lower uric acid levels in the blood.
(06:25):
Okay.
Those are often prescribed for people with chronic gout to try to prevent those attacks
from happening in the first place.
So it's getting at the root of the problem.
Exactly.
Rather than just masking the symptom.
Right.
So examples of those medications are allopurinol and phoboxostat.
And they work in a couple of different ways.
They can either slow down your body's production of uric acid or they can help your kidneys
(06:48):
get rid of it more efficiently.
So it's either making less or getting rid of more.
Exactly.
It's all about trying to keep those uric acid levels in check.
I imagine medication is just part of the equation though, right?
It's not the whole picture.
Lifestyle changes are really important too.
Okay.
So let's talk about that.
What kind of lifestyle changes can people make to manage their gout?
(07:12):
Well, it all starts with those purins we were talking about.
Okay.
You know, the things that our body breaks down into uric acid.
Right.
So one of the biggest things you can do is cut back on high purine foods.
Like what?
Like red meat.
Okay.
Seafood.
Especially shellfish.
Uh huh.
Organ meats.
Gotcha.
Those are all really high in purines.
(07:33):
And then of course, alcohol.
Yeah.
Especially beer and liquor.
I knew it.
They're kind of the worst offenders.
Yeah.
They can really trigger those gout attacks.
So I'm hearing that what you eat and drink.
Absolutely.
Does really make a difference.
It plays a huge role.
It's not just about the occasional indulgence.
Right.
It's about how those choices add up over time.
(07:55):
So it's about finding a balance, right?
Yeah.
Enjoying those things in moderation.
Right.
To avoid those painful attacks.
Exactly.
It's about making smart choices that support your body.
Okay.
Besides diet.
Right.
What else can people do?
Well, staying hydrated is really important.
Okay.
Water helps to flesh out excess uric acid from your body.
So we want to be drinking plenty of water.
(08:16):
Absolutely.
Aim for eight glasses a day.
Eight glasses a day.
Yeah.
At least.
And even more if you're active or if it's hot outside.
Gotcha.
You know, you really want to keep those fluids going.
Okay.
So water's our friend.
Definitely.
What else?
Maintaining a healthy weight can also make a big difference.
Okay.
So extra pounds can put more stress on your joints.
(08:36):
Uh-huh.
And they can actually increase uric acid production.
Oh, really?
Yeah.
So finding a way to move your body that you enjoy, whether it's walking, swimming, dancing,
whatever you like.
Right.
Whatever gets you moving.
Exactly.
It can really help to keep those uric acid levels in check.
So it's a healthy lifestyle overall.
It's all connected, right?
Yeah.
(08:57):
Healthy lifestyle, healthy joints.
Okay.
So let's say someone's doing all the right things.
Right.
They're eating healthy.
They're exercising.
They're doing a good job of getting them to eat healthy.
They're doing a good job of getting them to eat healthy.
And they're doing a good job of getting them to eat healthy.
And they're doing a good job of getting them to eat healthy.
So what's the best way to get a gout attack?
It happens.
What can they do to get relief?
So for those acute attacks, the rice protocol is really helpful.
Rice.
Yeah.
Rest, ice, compression and elevation.
Oh, great.
It's a classic for a reason.
(09:18):
Yeah, yeah.
So you want to rest the affected joint, apply ice packs to reduce swelling, use a compression
bandage if it helps, and keep that joint elevated.
So it's like giving your body a time out.
Exactly.
You're trying to calm things down, reduce the inflammation.
And I imagine medications we talked about earlier can also help.
(09:39):
Absolutely.
Those NSIs, the colchicine, they can really help to manage the pain and inflammation.
So it seems like it's really important to work closely with your doctor.
Definitely.
To come up with a treatment plan.
It's a team effort, right?
Yeah.
You and your doctor working together.
Define what works best for you.
Exactly.
Because everybody's different.
Okay.
So we've talked about managing those acute attacks.
(10:01):
Right.
So what about the long-term?
Yeah.
What happens if gout isn't managed effectively?
So if those gout attacks keep happening, over time, those uric acid crystals, they can
actually start to damage the joint.
Oh no.
Yeah.
They can erode the cartilage.
Wow.
And even the bone.
So it's not just about the pain.
(10:21):
No.
It's actual damage.
It's actual structural damage to the joint.
So that can lead to long-term problems.
Exactly.
Like stiffness, chronic pain.
Uh-huh.
Limited mobility.
Oh wow.
It can really impact your quality of life.
That's scary.
Yeah.
It's something to take seriously.
So it's not just your grandpa's disease.
(10:42):
Right.
It's something that can have serious consequences.
Absolutely.
Okay.
So we've talked about the physical impact of gout.
Right.
But I imagine it can also take a toll on your mental health.
Absolutely.
Chronic pain can be really tough to deal with.
Yeah.
And gout is no exception.
So what can people do to cope with the emotional side of gout?
(11:03):
Well, first of all, it's important to remember that you're not alone.
Okay.
Millions of people are dealing with gout.
Right.
And there are resources and support systems available.
Like what?
You know, talk to your doctor.
Okay.
They can offer guidance.
They can connect you with support groups or therapists who specialize in chronic pain
management.
So don't be afraid to reach out for help.
(11:24):
Absolutely not.
It's really important to take care of your mental health as well as your physical health.
I agree.
They're intertwined, right?
Yeah.
And sometimes simply talking about your experience and connecting with others who understand
can make a world of difference.
What's like shared pain is lessened.
Exactly.
And shared joy is increased.
Exactly.
There's power in knowing you're not going through this alone.
(11:45):
Yeah, for sure.
So besides professional help and support groups, what else can people do?
Well, there are things you can do on your own to manage stress and boost your emotional
well-being.
Like what?
There's like mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
Okay.
Meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga.
Okay.
Those can all be really helpful.
(12:06):
I love those things.
Me too.
And don't underestimate the simple things.
Getting enough sleep.
Yeah.
Eating a balanced diet.
Yeah.
Engaging in activities you enjoy.
Okay.
Taking care of yourself holistically can really make a difference.
So it's mind, body, and spirit.
Exactly.
It's all connected.
Yeah.
Well said.
And remember, there will be good days and bad days.
(12:26):
Absolutely.
It's a journey.
It is.
And it's okay to have moments of frustration or discouragement.
Absolutely.
The key is to have coping strategies in place.
Right.
And to reach out for support when you need it.
Exactly.
You've got to have your toolkit.
Right?
And you've got to know when to use it.
Okay.
So let's shift gears a bit and talk about some practical tips and resources for managing
(12:48):
gout.
Sounds good.
Okay.
So we've talked a lot about what gout is and what causes it.
Right.
How it's diagnosed, how it's treated.
No, let's get practical.
Okay.
What can people actually do to manage their gout?
Yeah.
What can you do?
Day to day, long term.
Yeah.
So one of those helpful things you can do is keep a gout diary.
(13:10):
A gout diary.
Oh.
Okay.
I'm intrigued.
What is that?
So basically it's just a record of your, well, your gout.
So every time you have an attack, you write down the date.
I know how severe it is.
And then you also track things like what you ate and drank that day.
Okay.
Any medications you're taking, your activity level, anything that might be relevant.
(13:30):
So it's like you're a detective.
You're trying to find the clues to figure out what your triggers are.
Right.
Because everybody's different.
Right.
What triggers one person's gout might not trigger another person's gout.
So that can help you kind of personalize your approach.
Exactly.
So a gout diary is a really simple but powerful tool.
Okay.
(13:51):
That makes sense.
Yeah.
What about technology?
It's a huge help too.
How so?
Well, there are a lot of great apps out there that can help you track your symptoms, manage
your medications.
Okay.
You know, even connect with other people with gout.
Oh, wow.
So, you know, there's gout helper, my gout tracker.
Okay.
Those are just a couple of examples.
(14:12):
But there are tons of them out there.
It's amazing how technology can help with these things.
It really is.
So we've got our diary, we're using technology.
What about our healthcare providers?
Oh, your healthcare team is your most important resource.
Oh.
Definitely.
You know, your doctor, your nurse, your pharmacist.
They can provide you with personalized advice, answer your questions, help you come up with
(14:33):
a treatment plan.
They're the experts, right?
Exactly.
They're the ones with the medical knowledge and experience.
So make sure you're communicating with them openly and honestly.
Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Absolutely not.
No question is a dumb question.
Right.
Because sometimes it can feel like we're bothering them.
I know, but that's their job, right?
Yeah, that's true.
They want to help you.
(14:54):
Okay.
So we've talked about some tools and resources.
Any final advice for people living with gout?
Yeah, I would just say be your own advocate.
Okay.
What does that mean?
Well, it means being informed about your condition, doing your research, understanding
your treatment options, and speaking up for yourself.
If something doesn't feel right or if a treatment isn't working for you, talk to your doctor.
(15:18):
Don't just suffer in silence.
Exactly.
Don't just partner in your healthcare.
I love that.
It's not just a passive recipient.
It's about taking control of your own health.
Exactly.
You have the power to make a difference.
Okay, so to recap, our gout fighting toolkit includes keeping a gout diary, utilizing
technology at online resources, relying on our healthcare team, and most importantly,
(15:43):
being our own best advocates.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
And remember, while gout can be painful and frustrating, it is manageable.
It is.
With the right approach, you can minimize those flare ups and live a full, active life.
That's a great message to end on.
I think so too.
(16:04):
Well, that brings us to the end of our deep dive into the world of gout.
It's been a pleasure talking about this with you.
Likewise.
And I hope our listeners found it helpful.
Absolutely.
And remember, this is just the beginning.
Right.
There's always more to learn.
So keep those curious minds engaged.
Stay curious.
Stay curious.
And hopefully gout free.
Gout free.
Yes.
(16:24):
Thanks for joining us, everyone.
Take care.
Disclaimer, the content provided in this audio is for informational purposes only and should
not be construed as medical advice.
It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or consultation with a qualified
healthcare provider.
Always seek the advice of a physician or another qualified health provider with any questions
or concerns regarding a medical condition.
By listening to this audio platform, neither its hosts, guests, nor publishers establish
(16:46):
a doctor-patient relationship, and no liability is assumed for any decisions made based solely
on the information presented.
Welcome to the Podiatry Insight Hub, the leading informational audio platform for common care
(00:07):
and treatments related to lower extremity.
Get ready for another great podiatry topic in today's post.
Ready, set, here we go.
Disclaimer, the content provided in this audio is for informational purposes only and should
not be construed as medical advice.
It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or consultation with a qualified
healthcare provider.
(00:28):
This is to seek the advice of a physician or another qualified health provider with
any questions or concerns regarding a medical condition.
By listening to this audio platform, neither its hosts, guests, nor publishers establish
a doctor-patient relationship and no liability is assumed for any decisions made based solely
on the information presented.
Hey everybody, ready to dive into something kind of painful?
Literally painful.
Yeah, literally painful.
(00:49):
Gout.
Gout.
You might think you know all about it.
Right.
But, we're going to learn a thing or two today.
Absolutely.
We're going to go deep on this guide from the Central Florida Foot and Ankle Institute.
Okay.
And it is fascinating.
Yeah, it's really interesting.
You know, a lot of people, when they think about gout, they think about that pain in
the big toe.
(01:09):
Right.
That's kind of the classic image.
But it can actually happen in any joint.
Really?
Yeah.
Ankles, knees, elbows, I've even seen it in fingers.
Wow.
So, these uric acid crystals, they can kind of go anywhere.
So, okay, for those of us who've been lucky enough to avoid gout, what exactly is going
on in our bodies when we had it?
(01:30):
So, gout is basically a type of arthritis.
It's inflammatory arthritis.
Okay.
And it's caused by these things called uric acid crystals.
Uric acid is a natural byproduct of our metabolism.
It's kind of like the exhaust from our body's engine.
Right.
Right.
But sometimes our body makes too much of it or has trouble getting rid of it.
And when that happens, it builds up.
(01:52):
And it can form these sharp needle-like crystals in our joints.
And that is what causes the pain and inflammation that we experience with gout.
So, I'm picturing like little tiny daggers poking at my joints.
Pretty much.
Yeah.
No wonder it's so painful.
Exactly.
Why does that happen though?
Why do those crystals form?
Yeah.
(02:13):
Like why do some people get overloaded with uric acid?
There are a few things that can contribute to it.
One of the big ones is diet.
Uric acid and food are really high in things called purines.
Okay.
Which our body breaks down into uric acid.
So things like red meat, seafood, organ meats, those are all really high in purines.
(02:33):
And then there's alcohol, especially beer and liquor.
Oh no.
They can actually increase uric acid production and make it harder for your body to get rid
of it.
So, it's not just that it dehydrates you.
It's actually making more uric acid.
Exactly.
That's interesting.
It's a double whammy.
What about people who ate pretty healthy though?
Right.
(02:54):
But they still get gout.
That's where genetics come in.
Ah, okay.
Some people are just genetically predisposed to gout.
They might inherit genes that make their body produce more uric acid or make it harder for
their kidneys to get rid of it.
So even if you're doing everything right.
Exactly.
You might still be at rift.
It's like a loaded dice.
You know, you might be doing everything you can but you're still more likely to roll a
(03:16):
certain way.
Yeah.
And you might play a big role.
Okay, so we've got this uric acid building up.
Right.
Crystals forming in the joints.
What does an actual gout attack feel like though?
So you're talking about like the experience of it.
Yeah.
Paint me a picture.
Is it a dull ache?
Is it something more intense?
It's not subtle.
(03:37):
Okay.
I'll tell you that.
Yeah.
People often describe it as sudden, very intense pain.
It can feel like a burning, throbbing sensation in the joint.
Wow.
Sometimes people say it's so bad that even the weight of a sheet on their toe is unbearable.
Oh my gosh.
It's really debilitating.
So besides the pain, what else happens?
(03:57):
Like what else are you going to see?
Yeah.
Are there any other signs?
Yeah.
So usually you'll see some swelling around the affected joint.
Okay.
It'll be red.
It'll be warm to the touch and it'll be tender.
And you know, that combination of pain and swelling can make it really hard to move the
joint.
So it's not just that it hurts.
Right.
(04:18):
You can't even use it.
Exactly.
It's really limiting.
Okay.
So let's say someone's experiencing those symptoms.
Right.
How do they know for sure if it's gout?
How do they get diagnosed?
Yeah.
What does that look like?
So the first thing you should do if you're experiencing those symptoms is go see a doctor.
Okay.
Don't try to tough it out.
Right.
Because there are treatments that can help.
(04:38):
Sure.
So the doctor will probably start by doing a physical exam.
They'll look at the affected joint.
They'll feel for tenderness and swelling and they'll ask you about your symptoms.
Like a little detective work.
Yeah, exactly.
They're trying to gather clues and to confirm the diagnosis, they might do a procedure called
a joint aspiration.
Ooh, that sounds scary.
(05:00):
It's not as bad as it sounds.
Basically they use a needle to take a small sample of fluid from the joint.
Okay.
And then they examine that fluid under a microscope.
Gotcha.
To look for those uric-adidyl crystals.
So it's like they're looking for the smoking gun basically.
Exactly.
They're looking for the evidence.
Okay.
And they might also order some blood tests to check your uric acid levels.
(05:23):
If those levels are high, it can further support the diagnosis.
So okay, we've got the diagnosis.
Right.
Now the big question.
What do you do about it?
What do you do about it?
How do you get relief from these gout attacks?
How do you treat it?
Yeah.
So there are two main approaches to treating gout.
Okay.
One is medication and the other is lifestyle changes.
(05:44):
For immediate relief during an attack, doctors will often prescribe anisides.
Ah, the trusty anisides.
Yeah.
Those are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Okay.
Like ibuprofen, naproxen.
Right, right.
Those can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
So is there anything specifically for gout?
Like medication-wise.
(06:04):
Yeah.
Yeah.
There are a couple of medications that are commonly used for gout.
One is quulchicine.
Okay.
It's very effective at reducing inflammation and pain.
Okay.
And it can also help to prevent future attacks.
Oh, wow.
So it's kind of a two for one.
And then there are medications that can help to lower uric acid levels in the blood.
(06:25):
Okay.
Those are often prescribed for people with chronic gout to try to prevent those attacks
from happening in the first place.
So it's getting at the root of the problem.
Exactly.
Rather than just masking the symptom.
Right.
So examples of those medications are allopurinol and phoboxostat.
And they work in a couple of different ways.
They can either slow down your body's production of uric acid or they can help your kidneys
(06:48):
get rid of it more efficiently.
So it's either making less or getting rid of more.
Exactly.
It's all about trying to keep those uric acid levels in check.
I imagine medication is just part of the equation though, right?
It's not the whole picture.
Lifestyle changes are really important too.
Okay.
So let's talk about that.
What kind of lifestyle changes can people make to manage their gout?
(07:12):
Well, it all starts with those purins we were talking about.
Okay.
You know, the things that our body breaks down into uric acid.
Right.
So one of the biggest things you can do is cut back on high purine foods.
Like what?
Like red meat.
Okay.
Seafood.
Especially shellfish.
Uh huh.
Organ meats.
Gotcha.
Those are all really high in purines.
(07:33):
And then of course, alcohol.
Yeah.
Especially beer and liquor.
I knew it.
They're kind of the worst offenders.
Yeah.
They can really trigger those gout attacks.
So I'm hearing that what you eat and drink.
Absolutely.
Does really make a difference.
It plays a huge role.
It's not just about the occasional indulgence.
Right.
It's about how those choices add up over time.
(07:55):
So it's about finding a balance, right?
Yeah.
Enjoying those things in moderation.
Right.
To avoid those painful attacks.
Exactly.
It's about making smart choices that support your body.
Okay.
Besides diet.
Right.
What else can people do?
Well, staying hydrated is really important.
Okay.
Water helps to flesh out excess uric acid from your body.
So we want to be drinking plenty of water.
(08:16):
Absolutely.
Aim for eight glasses a day.
Eight glasses a day.
Yeah.
At least.
And even more if you're active or if it's hot outside.
Gotcha.
You know, you really want to keep those fluids going.
Okay.
So water's our friend.
Definitely.
What else?
Maintaining a healthy weight can also make a big difference.
Okay.
So extra pounds can put more stress on your joints.
(08:36):
Uh-huh.
And they can actually increase uric acid production.
Oh, really?
Yeah.
So finding a way to move your body that you enjoy, whether it's walking, swimming, dancing,
whatever you like.
Right.
Whatever gets you moving.
Exactly.
It can really help to keep those uric acid levels in check.
So it's a healthy lifestyle overall.
It's all connected, right?
Yeah.
(08:57):
Healthy lifestyle, healthy joints.
Okay.
So let's say someone's doing all the right things.
Right.
They're eating healthy.
They're exercising.
They're doing a good job of getting them to eat healthy.
They're doing a good job of getting them to eat healthy.
And they're doing a good job of getting them to eat healthy.
And they're doing a good job of getting them to eat healthy.
So what's the best way to get a gout attack?
It happens.
What can they do to get relief?
So for those acute attacks, the rice protocol is really helpful.
Rice.
Yeah.
Rest, ice, compression and elevation.
Oh, great.
It's a classic for a reason.
(09:18):
Yeah, yeah.
So you want to rest the affected joint, apply ice packs to reduce swelling, use a compression
bandage if it helps, and keep that joint elevated.
So it's like giving your body a time out.
Exactly.
You're trying to calm things down, reduce the inflammation.
And I imagine medications we talked about earlier can also help.
(09:39):
Absolutely.
Those NSIs, the colchicine, they can really help to manage the pain and inflammation.
So it seems like it's really important to work closely with your doctor.
Definitely.
To come up with a treatment plan.
It's a team effort, right?
Yeah.
You and your doctor working together.
Define what works best for you.
Exactly.
Because everybody's different.
Okay.
So we've talked about managing those acute attacks.
(10:01):
Right.
So what about the long-term?
Yeah.
What happens if gout isn't managed effectively?
So if those gout attacks keep happening, over time, those uric acid crystals, they can
actually start to damage the joint.
Oh no.
Yeah.
They can erode the cartilage.
Wow.
And even the bone.
So it's not just about the pain.
(10:21):
No.
It's actual damage.
It's actual structural damage to the joint.
So that can lead to long-term problems.
Exactly.
Like stiffness, chronic pain.
Uh-huh.
Limited mobility.
Oh wow.
It can really impact your quality of life.
That's scary.
Yeah.
It's something to take seriously.
So it's not just your grandpa's disease.
(10:42):
Right.
It's something that can have serious consequences.
Absolutely.
Okay.
So we've talked about the physical impact of gout.
Right.
But I imagine it can also take a toll on your mental health.
Absolutely.
Chronic pain can be really tough to deal with.
Yeah.
And gout is no exception.
So what can people do to cope with the emotional side of gout?
(11:03):
Well, first of all, it's important to remember that you're not alone.
Okay.
Millions of people are dealing with gout.
Right.
And there are resources and support systems available.
Like what?
You know, talk to your doctor.
Okay.
They can offer guidance.
They can connect you with support groups or therapists who specialize in chronic pain
management.
So don't be afraid to reach out for help.
(11:24):
Absolutely not.
It's really important to take care of your mental health as well as your physical health.
I agree.
They're intertwined, right?
Yeah.
And sometimes simply talking about your experience and connecting with others who understand
can make a world of difference.
What's like shared pain is lessened.
Exactly.
And shared joy is increased.
Exactly.
There's power in knowing you're not going through this alone.
(11:45):
Yeah, for sure.
So besides professional help and support groups, what else can people do?
Well, there are things you can do on your own to manage stress and boost your emotional
well-being.
Like what?
There's like mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
Okay.
Meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga.
Okay.
Those can all be really helpful.
(12:06):
I love those things.
Me too.
And don't underestimate the simple things.
Getting enough sleep.
Yeah.
Eating a balanced diet.
Yeah.
Engaging in activities you enjoy.
Okay.
Taking care of yourself holistically can really make a difference.
So it's mind, body, and spirit.
Exactly.
It's all connected.
Yeah.
Well said.
And remember, there will be good days and bad days.
(12:26):
Absolutely.
It's a journey.
It is.
And it's okay to have moments of frustration or discouragement.
Absolutely.
The key is to have coping strategies in place.
Right.
And to reach out for support when you need it.
Exactly.
You've got to have your toolkit.
Right?
And you've got to know when to use it.
Okay.
So let's shift gears a bit and talk about some practical tips and resources for managing
(12:48):
gout.
Sounds good.
Okay.
So we've talked a lot about what gout is and what causes it.
Right.
How it's diagnosed, how it's treated.
No, let's get practical.
Okay.
What can people actually do to manage their gout?
Yeah.
What can you do?
Day to day, long term.
Yeah.
So one of those helpful things you can do is keep a gout diary.
(13:10):
A gout diary.
Oh.
Okay.
I'm intrigued.
What is that?
So basically it's just a record of your, well, your gout.
So every time you have an attack, you write down the date.
I know how severe it is.
And then you also track things like what you ate and drank that day.
Okay.
Any medications you're taking, your activity level, anything that might be relevant.
(13:30):
So it's like you're a detective.
You're trying to find the clues to figure out what your triggers are.
Right.
Because everybody's different.
Right.
What triggers one person's gout might not trigger another person's gout.
So that can help you kind of personalize your approach.
Exactly.
So a gout diary is a really simple but powerful tool.
Okay.
(13:51):
That makes sense.
Yeah.
What about technology?
It's a huge help too.
How so?
Well, there are a lot of great apps out there that can help you track your symptoms, manage
your medications.
Okay.
You know, even connect with other people with gout.
Oh, wow.
So, you know, there's gout helper, my gout tracker.
Okay.
Those are just a couple of examples.
(14:12):
But there are tons of them out there.
It's amazing how technology can help with these things.
It really is.
So we've got our diary, we're using technology.
What about our healthcare providers?
Oh, your healthcare team is your most important resource.
Oh.
Definitely.
You know, your doctor, your nurse, your pharmacist.
They can provide you with personalized advice, answer your questions, help you come up with
(14:33):
a treatment plan.
They're the experts, right?
Exactly.
They're the ones with the medical knowledge and experience.
So make sure you're communicating with them openly and honestly.
Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Absolutely not.
No question is a dumb question.
Right.
Because sometimes it can feel like we're bothering them.
I know, but that's their job, right?
Yeah, that's true.
They want to help you.
(14:54):
Okay.
So we've talked about some tools and resources.
Any final advice for people living with gout?
Yeah, I would just say be your own advocate.
Okay.
What does that mean?
Well, it means being informed about your condition, doing your research, understanding
your treatment options, and speaking up for yourself.
If something doesn't feel right or if a treatment isn't working for you, talk to your doctor.
(15:18):
Don't just suffer in silence.
Exactly.
Don't just partner in your healthcare.
I love that.
It's not just a passive recipient.
It's about taking control of your own health.
Exactly.
You have the power to make a difference.
Okay, so to recap, our gout fighting toolkit includes keeping a gout diary, utilizing
technology at online resources, relying on our healthcare team, and most importantly,
(15:43):
being our own best advocates.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
And remember, while gout can be painful and frustrating, it is manageable.
It is.
With the right approach, you can minimize those flare ups and live a full, active life.
That's a great message to end on.
I think so too.
(16:04):
Well, that brings us to the end of our deep dive into the world of gout.
It's been a pleasure talking about this with you.
Likewise.
And I hope our listeners found it helpful.
Absolutely.
And remember, this is just the beginning.
Right.
There's always more to learn.
So keep those curious minds engaged.
Stay curious.
Stay curious.
And hopefully gout free.
Gout free.
Yes.
(16:24):
Thanks for joining us, everyone.
Take care.
Disclaimer, the content provided in this audio is for informational purposes only and should
not be construed as medical advice.
It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or consultation with a qualified
healthcare provider.
Always seek the advice of a physician or another qualified health provider with any questions
or concerns regarding a medical condition.
By listening to this audio platform, neither its hosts, guests, nor publishers establish
(16:46):
a doctor-patient relationship, and no liability is assumed for any decisions made based solely
on the information presented.
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